NB: as of 23 September 2008, all new artSMart articles are being published on the site news.artsmart.co.za.

BOTANICAL COLLECTIBLES SHOP
(article first published : 2002-10-26)

The Botanical Artists Association of Southern Africa (BAASA), KZN Branch’s third annual Botanical Art Exhibition runs from November 3 to December 17 from 09h00 to 17h00.

The event will be complemented by way of a presentation of selected botanical pieces ranging from functional ceramics to cards, books and botanical prints in the Durban Botanic Gardens shop.

An exciting addition to this year's collection is the Flora Publications Trust Botanical Print Portfolio. To coincide with the international Year of the Mountain – 2002, the Trust has produced 500 editions of botanical prints (four per set) of watercolour plant portraits by Tessa Dean.

The theme is uKhahlamba Drakensberg Flowers. Tessa's botanical art is defined by its dedication to botanical accuracy together with the highest painterly and aesthetic standards. Dean's work is of international standard in both these aspects. All proceeds from the portfolio are used to publish affordable and popular field guides to the indigenous plants of the region.

For lovers of art, gardening and botany, the exhibition and shop represents a rare opportunity as all the works will be for sale. A percentage of sales will be donated to the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust.

The shop is situated in the Durban Botanic Gardens NBS Education Centre which is also hosting the exhibition. Ample secure parking is available with access from lower Sydenham Road. More information from Bren (exhibition curator) on 083 673-4569.